Hot Toys MMS DX 02 Batman The Dark Knight Preview

Pictures are out!!

Hot Toys - MMS DX 02 - The Dark Knight - 1/6th scale BATMAN collectible figure will be a life-like Batman collectible, true to 1/6th scale and stand approximately 32 cm tall, featuring Hot Toys figure body with over 32 points of articulation and the movie accurate -The Dark Knight- complex Batman suit.



This deluxe version comes with two functional Batman heads: One features Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS) and Translucent Iris and an alternate head features the sonar vision device – light-up eyes (cell button battery operated- battery included) PLUS Three (3) interchangeable unique faces capturing Batman's classic facial expressions, which will fit both functional heads. The usual three sets of interchangeable posing hands and deluxe figure stand with LED lights will also be included.



I think Hot Toys used their new narrow shoulders True Type body because the first released version of The Dark Knight suit looked rather bulky - Batman looked more like a body builder than an athletic man. This version looks much better IMHO





The three faces or expressions of Batman







The collectible also features: a newly sculpted and developed Batman complex suit with his 1/6 weapons and accessories -Transformable Sticky Bomb Gun, Back Pack, Grapnel Gun, Mini Mine, removable Holster and two (2) interchangeable and Magnetic Utility Belts.













This picture started it all (Teaser post HERE)







Release date: Q1, 2010

Credit where credit is due - Artist: Head Sculpt by Yulli, Head Art Directed by JC HONG and Head Paint by JC HONG

DC Universe Justice League Unlimited

This is like going back to my roots, my toy collecting roots. I started my toy collection by collecting "Batman The Animated Series" carded figures because (1) I've always been a big Batman fan and (2) I really enjoyed the animated series and followed the series quite closely. So when figures of the animated series were released, I started picking them up at the local Toys R Us stores. My very first post is of my Animated Batman collection (link HERE).

I've since moved on to 1/6 scale 12-inch collectible figures because of the amazing details and realism one can get from the uniforms or costumes, accessories, gear and weapons.

But once in a while, a simple toy still gives simple pleasures and when I saw this recently in Metro, I just had to pick it up.



Terrence "Terry" McGinnis is Batman of the Future or "Batman Beyond" (Batman II, The Tomorrow Knight, The Dark Knight of Tomorrow) and is part of the Future League







Bruce Wayne hires Terry as his "personal assistant" and begins secretly training him for his new role as Batman. In addition, Bruce assists Terry in the field primarily by keeping in continual contact with the boy at the Batcave. Beyond the vigilante duties as Batman, Terry is also Bruce's chauffeur. Terry soon takes over the reign of Batman from Bruce Wayne as protector of Gotham City.



Grumpy old man Bruce - love the character







Warhawk, the son of Green Lantern John Stewart and Hawkgirl (Shayera Hol) is part of the Future league and would eventually become a close comrade and colleague with Terry McGinnis, Bruce Wayne's successor as Batman.



Warhawk has powers such as enhanced strength, stamina, and speed. He wears a suit of armor which has razor-talons and the ability to cover him in protective liquid-metal plates, along with flight capabilities of artificial set of wings and thrusters.

GI Joe General Colin Powell

At age 52, General Colin (pronounced "KOH-lin") Luther Powell became the youngest officer and the first, and so far the only, African American (actually Afro-Caribbean American) to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff as 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993). In 1989, he joined Dwight D Eisenhower and Alexander Haig as the third general since World War II to reach four-star rank without ever being a divisional commander. During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including the invasion of Panama in 1989 to remove General Manuel Noriega from power and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. [source: wiki]



Hasbro released this GI Joe 1/6 scale 12-inch General Colin L Powell "Historical Commanders Edition (Fourth in a series)" collectible figure in 1998 wearing the US Army green service uniform or "Class A's".



It came in the same style box as the previous three Generals





A closer look at Hasbro's GI Joe General Colin Powell. The collar could have been a lot smaller. Look at the size of those flaps!!





The collar is SO BIG it covered his Infantry Badge and ribbons - LOL!!



Also has Parachute Badge and Air Assault Badge



As well as Department of Defense Badge and Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge



Not forgetting his name tag, Presidential Seal and US Army Staff Identification Badge



And here he is in full uniform which also includes Garrison Cap with 4 stars, shirt, tie, pants, socks, shoes and dress uniform



He also has a Ranger tab worn on his left sleeve just below the 4 stars on his shoulders



Should have starched and iron the uniform first before taking this picture. Uniform looks terribly crumpled - SIGH. He wears the patch of the 23rd Infantry Division on his right sleeve













Also comes with 1/1 scale 23rd Infantry Division Patch, display base with US Flag and US Army Flag, similar to the other three Generals released (pictures HERE).

After General Colin Powell, I'd expected Hasbro to release a 1/6 scale 12-inch version of General H Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr (also known as "Stormin' Norman" and "The Bear") who, as Commander of US Central Command, was commander of the Coalition Forces in the Gulf War of 1991. [source: wiki] That would have been nice but sad to say, that didn't happen.

Hot Toys Batman DX teaser picture

Just released by Hot Toys - Batman DX teaser picture



The back pack looking thing is what is holding his cape. It springs out of it when he dives off of the building in Hong Kong. Also could be the skyhook rig as well but it was never shown before it was launched.

On his belt is the break apart sticky bomb gun which he used in Hong Kong. Both pieces on the belt make up the Bomb gun. It is a Pump-action gun that Batman uses to fire timed "sticky bombs"; another gadget he packs away in his utility belt. The one on the left has the dial to set the bomb time.



Speculation on forums: he has his back to us because he doesn't want to reveal his best feature. Light up Bat-Sonar Lenses!



We'll have to wait and see what Hot Toys choose to reveal in the coming weeks

GI Joe Dress Marine

The Marine Corps dress uniform is the most elaborate of the United States armed forces, worn for formal or ceremonial occasions. Its basic form of a blue jacket with red trim dates back to the 19th century. It is the only US Military uniform that incorporates all three colors (Red, White and Blue) of the US Flag.

The Blue Dress uniform (also "Dress Blues" or simply "Blues") consist of a long-sleeved midnight blue coat (enlisted members have red trim) with a standing collar and belt (white web belt & gold waistplate for enlisted, midnight blue for officers with a gold M-buckle), white barracks cover (peaked cap with USMC insignia), plain white shirt, sky blue trousers, white gloves, black dress shoes and socks.

This is a GI Joe Hall of Fame Gung Ho Dress Marine uniform on a 1996 Hasbro Rhode Island Dress Marine. I had to switch uniforms as the Hasbro Rhode Island release turned out to be a major disappointment because everything looked faded. Gung Ho's uniform, especially the jacket, was black instead of midnight blue but it looks closer to the real thing.



"Semper Fi" is Latin for "Always Faithful" and is best known as the motto of the United States Marine Corps. The United States Marine Corps adopted the motto "Semper Fidelis" in 1883, on the initiative of Colonel Charles McCawley (January 29, 1827 – October 13, 1891), the 8th Commandant of the Marine Corps.





I added the extra badges (airborne and scuba badges on top, expert rifleman's badge and pistol competency badge at the bottom) over the decals as it made him look more impressive



Gung Ho is a Master Sergeant and the marine dress jacket has his rank chevrons on the upper sleeve; the stripes on the lower sleeve are service stripes, one for each four years of service.







White ceremonial M14 rifle



Previous posts: GI Joe US Army West Point Cadet and GI Joe US Navy Annapolis Cadet

DID 2nd Ranger Battalion Sniper Preview

The plot thickens.

Did has announced that they will be releasing a World War II 1/6 scale 12-inch 2nd Ranger Battalion Sniper figure. What is most interesting is the head sculpt because unless you haven't watched "Saving Private Ryan (1998)" or "We Were Soldiers (2002)", you can definitely identify the HS as actor Barry Pepper, who acted as Private Daniel Jackson in SPR and Joseph L. Galloway in the latter, not to mention as Sergeant Mike Strank in "Flags of Our Fathers (2006)".







Why do I say the plot thickens? If you remember correctly, the other company Soldier Story recently released a 1/6 scale 12-inch WWII US Airborne Medic from the 82nd Airborne with a head sculpt meant to resemble Giovanni Ribisi as Medic Irwin Wade from "Saving Private Ryan". See my post HERE if you don't believe me.

Slowly but surely Captain Miller's squad is beginning to take shape in 1/6 scale.

DiD isn't even hiding the fact that this is Private Daniel from SPR because that's what they have named this figure.

Slap on his helmet and ranger assault vest



and you get almost an authentic World War II 2nd Ranger Battalion Private Daniel Jackson figure





Even comes with 1/6 scale dog tags







Unfortunately, it looks like the M1903 rifle that DiD has produced is the A1 version, which was only used by the USMC in the PTO (that's Pacific Theatre of Operations). The US GI snipers in the ETO (European Theatre of Ops) used the M1903A4, which has a different stock, different scope, different mounting brackets and no iron sights.









But you have to admit, that's one fine head sculpt of Barry Pepper.

Other Barry Pepper head sculpts I already own: US Navy SEAL Recon (Nam) figure, World War II 101st Airborne NCO (Staff Sergeant) figure.

And then there's Tom Hanks as Captain John H Miller and Matt Damon as Private First Class James Francis Ryan from "Saving Private Ryan" (pictures of both of them HERE)

GI Joe US Army West Point Cadet

GI Joe Timeless Collection FAO Schwarz Exclusive "West Point & Annapolis Cadets" Figures and Accessories Reminiscent of the Golden Age (1964-1978). Already covered the Annapolis Cadet in the previous post. Here's the 1/6 scale 12-inch West Point Cadet figure which came with Hat (Shako) with plume and strap, gray ceremonial jacket with rank chevrons, maroon waist sash with two metal clips, cross shoulder strap (sword belt) with gold buckle and sword loop, sword, sheath, white trousers and dress shoes. Also has ceremonial white M1 Garand rifle with strap, dog tag with chain, US Army flag and display stand.

















Among the many distinguished and notable figures that have graduated from West Point are Generals Dwight D Eisenhower, Omar Bradley and George S Patton (all covered in my earlier post "Generals, Fall IN!" HERE)

There's also the GI Joe Dress Marine (post HERE)

GI Joe US Navy Annapolis Cadet

From previous post: The M1 Garand is still used by drill teams and military honor guards. It is also widely sought by the civilian population as a hunting rifle, target rifle and military collectible.

GI Joe first released the three service cadets in 1967 with authentic 1/6 dress uniform and nice detailing. Let's not forget Hasbro produced these figures for children to play with and they bothered to make sure each outfit was as accurate as possible to the actual thing. Kids today wouldn't care for the authenticity of the figures, adult collectors would!

The original Annapolis cadet soared in demand soon after because he had a unique sword which was different from the other two (West Point and Air Cadets) and was much sought after.

In 2001, Hasbro released the GI JOE Timeless Collection FAO Schwarz Exclusive "West Point & Annapolis Cadets" Figures and Accessories Reminiscent of the Golden Age (1964-1978). The GI Joe 1/6 scale 12-inch Annapolis Cadet figure came with Navy Blue Jacket with brass buttons, white pants, white garrison cap, dress shoes, blue sword belt with gold buckle and metal clips, collar anchor, sword, sheath, white ceremonial M1 Garand rifle with strap, and dog tag with chain. Also came with display base and USN Flag.



















In my earlier post HERE, a "USNA ancient mariner" commented that they should be called Midshipmen and not cadets.

NEXT: GI Joe West Point Cadet

1/6 M1 Garand rifle

July 4th - Independence Day in the US, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

And one of the weapons that have kept the United States of America "And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!" was the M1 Garand rifle. The M1 Garand (officially the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1) was the first semi-automatic rifle to be generally issued to the infantry of any nation. In 1936, it officially replaced the bolt-action M1903 Springfield as the standard service rifle of the United States Armed Forces [source: wiki] and was used heavily by US Forces in World War II to oppose and defeat the Nazis and the Axis powers of Germany, Italy and Japan.

New Ti-Lite M1 Garand - amazing details!

The M1 rifle is a gas-operated, semi-automatic, clip-fed rifle.

The M1 Garand was designed for simple assembly and disassembly to facilitate field maintenance. It can be field stripped (broken down) without tools. Ti-Lite's breakdown of the weapon parts showing bayonet, front hand guard, bolt, rear sight, operating rod, receiver, stock and trigger housing group

Assembled M1 Garand

Movable operating rod

At the time, it was believed that a detachable magazine on a general-issue service rifle would be easily lost by US soldiers (a criticism made of British soldiers and the Lee-Enfield 50 years previously), would render the weapon too susceptible to clogging from dirt and debris (a belief that proved unfounded with the adoption of the M1 Carbine), and that a protruding magazine would complicate existing manual-of-arms drills. As a result, inventor John Pedersen developed an "en bloc" clip system that allowed ammunition to be inserted from above, clip included, into the fixed magazine. While this design provided the requisite flush-mount magazine, the clip system increased the rifle's weight, and prevented it from being fired without a clip, such as while reloading.




The super detailed trigger mechanism of Ti-Lite's M1 Garand

I'd also covered 1/6 Multiple Grenade Launchers HERE

Next: The M1 Garand used by drill teams and military honor guards.

Dr Figures CIA Operator Preview

Looks like Dr Figures is pumping out a new figure... a 1/6 scale 12-inch Fully Posable Action Figure CIA Operator. Guess who the head sculpt resembles? Looks a lot like Will Smith to me



His accessories will include Sunglasses, Combat Light with holder, H1L Light, Radio and Headset, Mobile Phone, Carabiners



His gear comprises Recon Vest, Rifle Magazine Pouches, Grenade Pouches, Utility Pouches, Radio Pouch. Vest is MAV in OD. It is similar to the one that came out with BBI Brennan (but that one was Multicam).



Also comes with Black Backpack and patches



His weapons of choice: Colt M1911 Pistol with suppressor and Beretta Rx4 Storm Rifle plus baseball and 40mm grenades. The RX4 (perfect for a Ghost Recon bash) is in the same "family" as the Beretta Px4 Storm pistol and Cx4 Storm carbine. It doesn't seem to be used in any military operation but is a big hit to police and homeland security.



He will be dressed in knit Watch cap, Shemagh, black Polo T-Shirt, Oakley gloved hands, black tactical Pants, Pistol Holster, Grenade Belt and assault boots.





Dr Figures CIA operator will also have a baseball cap





Backup weapon and sidearm is the all too familiar M1911 pistol



Holstered when not in use



All accessories are ABS Plastic, not resin. Don't ask me why? Dr Figures quality has not been the best so let's hope they can improve on it. Otherwise, the head sculpt looks good and the 1/6 scale Rx4 certainly is a PLUS. What he needs for a ride should be a Mazda RX4 to match his weapon - LOL!!

CIA operatives already in my collection:
Soldier Story 1/6 12-inch CIA SAD Night Ops with black skull balaclava (pictures here)
CIA operatives in Afghanistan - "Jones" and "Bana"
Spooks in Afghanistan (group pictures)

1/6 Will Smith figures in my collection:
Will Smith as US Army virologist Lieutenant Colonel Robert Neville in "I am Legend (2007)" pictures
Will Smith as Police Detective Mike Lowrey in the "Bad Boys" movies - link here
Will Smith as CPT Steven Hiller, F16 Pilot in the movie "Independence Day (1996)" - pictures